Herbal Medicine
What are herbal supplements?
Plant-based products used to treat diseases or to maintain health, are called herbal
products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. A product made from plant sources
and used only for internal use is called an herbal supplement.
Many prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines are also made from plant
products. But these products contain only purified ingredients and are regulated by
the FDA. Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts.
Herbal supplements come in all forms. They may be dried, chopped, powdered, or in
capsule or liquid form. They can be used in many ways, including:
-
Swallowed as pills, powders, or concentrated liquid extracts (tinctures)
-
Brewed as tea
-
Used on the skin as gels, lotions, or creams
-
Added to bath water
The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, herbal
supplement use is common in the U.S. But they are not for everyone. They are not subject
to close scrutiny by the FDA or other governing agencies. For this reason, herbal
supplements are still controversial. Talk with your healthcare provider about any
symptoms or conditions you have. Discuss the use of herbal supplements.
The FDA and herbal supplements
The FDA considers herbal supplements as foods, not medicines. So they are not subject
to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as medicines.
You can now see labels that explain how herbs can influence different actions in the
body. But herbal supplement labels are not permitted to say that herbs treat specific
health conditions. This is because herbal supplements are not subject to clinical
trials or to the same manufacturing standards as prescription or traditional over-the-counter
medicines. There is no research that proves a certain herb cures or treats a health
problem or prevents a certain condition.
For example, St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement. It's thought to be useful
for treating depression in some cases. A product label on St. John's wort might say
that it "enhances mood." But it can't claim to treat a specific condition, such as
depression.
Herbal supplements, unlike medicines, do not need to be standardized to make sure
of batch-to-batch consistency. Some manufacturers may use the word standardized on
a supplement label. But it may not mean the same thing from one manufacturer to the
next.
Precautions when choosing herbal supplements
Herbal supplements can interact with conventional medicines. Some may have strong
effects. Don't self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Talk with your healthcare provider
before taking herbal supplements.
-
Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking. Talk with your provider
and contact herbal supplement manufacturers for information. Pharmacists can be easy
to access, reliable sources of information on the effects of herbal supplements. They
can also provide helpful information about any interactions between medicines and
herbal supplements.
-
Follow label instructions carefully. If you use herbal supplements, use the prescribed dosage only. Never take more than
the advised dosage. Look for information about who should not take the supplement.
Find out if there are any health conditions, certain medicine interactions, or other
factors when the supplement should not be used.
-
Work with a professional. Look for the services of a trained and licensed herbalist or licensed naturopathic
healthcare provider who has a lot of training in this area.
-
Watch for side effects. If you have symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, rash, headache, or upset stomach,
reduce the dosage or stop taking the supplement. Get medical care if symptoms don't
decrease. Or if they get worse.
-
Watch for allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction can cause trouble breathing. If such a problem happens,
call 911 or the emergency number in your area for help.
-
Research the company whose herbs you are taking. Herbal supplements are not all made the same way. Choose a reputable manufacturer's
brand. Ask yourself:
-
Is the manufacturer researching its own herbal products? Or just relying on the research
efforts of others?
-
Does the product make outlandish or hard-to-prove claims?
-
Does the product label give information about the standardized formula, side effects,
ingredients, directions, and precautions?
-
Is the label information clear and easy to read?
-
Is there a toll-free telephone number, an address? Or a website address listed so
consumers can find out more information about the product?
-
Is the product tested and certified by a third party company to make sure of quality,
safety and effectiveness?
What are some of the most common herbal supplements?
This list of common herbal supplements is for informational purposes only. Talk with
your healthcare provider to discuss your own health conditions or symptoms. Don't
self-diagnose. Talk with your provider before taking any herbal supplements.
Black cohosh
|
This shrub-like plant of eastern North America gets its name from the Native American
word for rough. This refers to its root structure. It's generally used for menopausal
conditions, painful menstruation, uterine spasms, and vaginitis.
|
Echinacea
|
This is often used to make the body's immune system stronger. It's also considered
a prevention against colds and flu. This U.S. native plant is also called the purple
coneflower.
|
Evening primrose
|
Oil from this night-blooming, bright yellow flowering plant may be helpful in reducing
symptoms of arthritis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
|
Feverfew
|
The pain-relieving properties of feverfew have been used for migraine headaches and
menstrual cramps.
|
Garlic
|
Garlic is generally used for cardiovascular conditions. This includes high cholesterol
and triglyceride levels linked to the risk of atherosclerosis.
|
Gingko biloba
|
This herb is used for many conditions linked to aging. This includes poor circulation
and memory loss.
|
Ginseng
|
This is used as a general tonic to increase overall body tone. It's believed helpful
in raising energy levels and improving resistance to stress.
|
Goldenseal
|
This herb, native to the U.S., is popular for its healing properties and germ-stopping
qualities. It is often used for colds and flu. It's also popular for soothing the
nose lining when it's inflamed or sore.
|
Green tea
|
This herb is used to combat extreme tiredness (fatigue), prevent arteriosclerosis
and certain cancers, lower cholesterol, and help with weight loss.
|
Hawthorn
|
This is used for several heart-related conditions. It's supportive in treating angina,
atherosclerosis, heart failure, and high blood pressure.
|
Saw palmetto
|
This may be used for enlarged prostate. This is a common condition in men over age
50.
|
St. John's wort
|
Wild-growing with yellow flowers, this herb has been used for centuries to treat mental
disorders. Today it's a popular recommendation for mild to moderate depression.
|
It's important to remember that herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA. They
have not been tested in an FDA-approved clinical trial to prove their effectiveness
in treating or managing health conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider about
your symptoms. Talk with your provider before taking any herbal supplements.
Tell all of your healthcare providers about the health approaches, supplements, and
medicines you use. This will give them a full picture of your health. It will help
make sure of safe, effective, and coordinated care.